D.J.
Benardis, who had just turned 18, was a senior honor student at Bishop
Manogue High School ("BMHS"), whose vehicle was struck by
a driver under the influence on April 2, 1996. DJ was eastbound on interstate
80 approaching the south bound exit to 395. He was stopped behind exit
traffic on the freeway on an English paper so that he would be free
the following week, to go hiking with his friends during the Easter
vacation. DJ died at the crash scene. A cross stands at the roadside
of the crash site.
D.J.'s
accomplishments during his years at BMHS were numerous. He was President
of the National Honor Society, held office as the president of his freshman,
sophomore, and junior class, attended Nevada Boy's State and was named
as a Nevada High School Scholar. DJ loved athletic endeavors and played
the sports of track and football with great enthusiasm. He was quarterback
of the varsity team during his junior year, quarterback/co-captain during
his senior year, and was named as all-league second team quarterback.
He was an avid snowboarder. D.J.'s academic and sports achievements
were not his only outstanding characteristics, he possessed true care
and compassion for people and was active in Chi-Rho (a Christian service
organization for young men). He had been accepted at the University
of Notre Dame, offered the honors program at the University of Washington
and recipient of an academic scholarship to Oxford University, Oxford,
England.
DJ
was an extraordinary young man who brought to his school, friends, and
family strength, motivation, and willpower, which constantly pushed
him and those around him to higher limits. He worked hard, cared deeply
for people, and possessed the ability to believe that all things were
possible with simple determination. D.J.'s warm smile, positive attitude
and living spirit shall never be forgotten by those fortunate to have
known him.
Family
and friends of DJ have established four memorial scholarship programs
in his name. Each year scholarships are awarded to BMHS students. Scholarships
are also awarded each year to graduation eighth graders from Our Lady
of Snows, Little Flower, St. Alberts, and St. Theresa's who attend BMHS.
Scholarships are also awarded to Manogue Seniors who are going to be
freshman at the University of Notre Dame. An additional scholarship,
in his name, has been established for qualified students while attending
the University of Notre Dame.
